Abstract: A mining machine that has a chassis that defines an operator area thereon and has a mining assembly attached thereto. A vertically extending shield assembly is supported on the chassis to prevent material that is dislodged during the mining process from inadvertently entering the operator area. The shield assembly may be selectively vertically extendable and may be equipped with a ventilation duct assembly to withdraw dust and gases away from the operator area. The mining machine may be equipped with a mining assembly that extends the entire width of the chassis and that can be advanced forwardly of the chassis and swung down across the seam face during mining. The present invention may also be equipped with a quick disconnect assembly for detachably mounting the mining assembly or other mining implement to the mining machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering airborne contaminates that has a frame member and a collection duct attached thereto. A duct assembly is slidably supported on the frame member and selectively movable along a linear path between a first position adjacent the frame member and collection duct and a second position displaced from the frame member. A fan for inducing airflow into the collection duct and duct assembly may be attached to the duct assembly for travel therewith or attached to the frame and the duct assembly when the duct assembly is in the first position. The duct assembly may be selectively movable between the first and second positions along a linear path relative to the frame member by a slidable support attached between the frame member and duct assembly.